Halloween Clean Up: Candy

Halloween Clean Up: Candy

Do you still have left over candy from Halloween? Or maybe even from last year? Or maybe you simply want to make sure your child doesn’t eat all of it in one sitting? At Closet and Storage Concepts we’re here to help with tips on when to throw it out, reuse it, or give it away.

Expiration dates

Expiration dates are always a good place to start to determine if it’s time to say goodbye to packaged candy, but sometimes even those can be misleading. Many experts say that food, including candy, is still good past the sell date. With chocolate for examples, chocolate chips that are frozen can last two to three years, while plain milk chocolate is only usually good for 12 to 18 months. With gummy candies, the true expiration date is usually only for about 12 months although Skittles are known to have a shelf life of two to three years. In most cases, it will be safe to re-purpose candy for your holiday stocking stuffers, just be aware that your other senses like smell and sight can help to determine if it’s time to say goodbye to the candy.

Freeze it

Freezing your candy can help extend it’s life. Chocolate in particular can benefit by increasing the sell by date an additional 12 months. Even the different temperatures between a fridge and a freezer can impact (and increase) the amount of time you can keep candy around. If you do want to save your candy, freezing it may be the best option. Keep in mind that certain candies will lose some of their taste and consistency if you freeze them.

Bake it

Chocolate chips, M&Ms, and other candy products might be able to be used in another dish if you don’t want to eat them plain. Baking them into other goods can be a good gift, or you can save them for your ginger bread houses. Simply look for a recipe online and voila! You’ll have new baked goods to share so you don’t waste anything and your kids don’t eat everything in one sitting.

Just say goodbye

If you’re on a health kick, it may be best to just say goodbye to the candy. If so, don’t feel guilty. You’re stopping any cravings and temptation while clearing out the clutter in your home. If you don’t want to completely toss it, try reaching out to a local organization to see if you can donate the candy. Local children hospitals or non-profits that work with the armed forces frequently accept donations.

No matter what you choose to do with your leftover candy Closet and Storage Concepts is here to help you make more room for a well-organized life. For more food storage tips for your pantry or other tips for throughout your home, check out our other blog posts or visit our showroom!